2014 Lexus IS Models Sedan

2014 Lexus IS Models Sedan

Benefits of Driving a 2014 Lexus IS Models Sedan

The mid-size performance sedan segment is a popular place, but the Lexus IS sedan more than holds its own among the offerings from Infiniti, BMW and Cadillac. While powertrains remain the same for 2014, top-to-bottom refinement everywhere else -- along with Lexus' unbeatable build quality -- has made the IS a bigger and yet more dynamic driver's car.

What's new for 2014?

While the Lexus IS 350 and 250 sedans are completely redesigned for 2014, the sport model, the IS F, carries on with last year's model. The IS250 and IS350 exterior styling is much more aggressive than that of the outgoing models, with a pinched, angular grille and rocker panels that flow seamlessly up and into the rear wheel arches.

Model Strengths

Attractive styling

build quality and refinement

all-wheel drive availability

technology options

Model Review

The 2014 Lexus IS sedan comes in three distinct models -- IS250, IS350 and IS F-- the 250 and 350 are available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the IS F is rear-wheel drive only. The IS250 is powered by a 2.5L V6 producing 204 hp and 185 ft-lb of torque, while the IS350 benefits from a larger 3.5L V6 that delivers 306 hp and 277 ft-lb or torque. Both of the all-aluminum 4-cam engines feature dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to help boost economy and efficiency. The rear-wheel-drive IS250 delivers 23 mpg combined and will sprint to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while its IS350 brother is good for 21 combined mpg and an impressive 5.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard on the IS250 and the IS350 AWD, while the RWD IS350 utilizes an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shifters. Both transmissions feature Sport, Normal and Eco modes, and will match engine revolutions during downshifts when set in Sport mode.

2014 Lexus IS Models Sedan

2014 Lexus IS Models Sedan

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.